Community Impact Newspaper sent Bao a list of questions about her candidacy. This article is part of ongoing May 4 election coverage and does not constitute an endorsement of the candidate. Her responses below have been edited for publication style.
Why are you running for a Plano City Council seat?
I am running because I love Plano and want to protect and ensure a great future for family, freedom and prosperity. My husband and I have been blessed with four wonderful children—two of whom have graduated from Plano schools, and two who are still in PISD. I will fight to protect taxpayers and help preserve the suburban character of Plano so many families moved here for.
What are your qualifications for seeking this office?
I am a realtor with a background in the IT industry. I am also a mother of four with deep interest in protecting our city for many years to come. I have been serving on different advisory boards such as Plano Housing Authority, PISD Diversity Advisory Board and Collin County Myers Park & Event Center Advisory Board. I also am very in tune with the concerns of the people of Plano.
If elected, what would your top priorities be?
1. Provide tax relief by supporting the effective tax rate—This means for existing homes, I would keep the tax rate low so that your tax bill this year will be the same as it was last year. The city will still have more tax revenues due to new construction and businesses.
2. Improve transparency in city government
3. Improve road conditions and reduce traffic congestion
4. Improve water quality and support smart business growth
If elected, would you generally support or oppose rezoning requests that include multifamily residential options, such as apartments?
Most Plano residents chose to live in Plano because they like the suburban feel of Plano and the excellent public schools. It is important that we protect the quality of life we all enjoy as a suburban city and not turn Plano into Dallas. With only a small portion of empty land left to be developed, we need to be really careful about rezoning to build multi-family housing, as it leads to traffic congestion. In cases where multi-family is used, there must be great care taken to ensure a proper amount of green space.
